1981 Mercedes-Benz G vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 1987 Porsche 959 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 430 kg more than 1987 Porsche 959.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (193 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | G | 959 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 67 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
